The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has reaffirmed Richardson as a Gold member in the State Comptroller’s Leadership Circle Awards. The award recognizes Richardson for its efforts to make finances open and accessible.

The Gold Leadership Circle Award, the Comptroller's highest ranking, is reserved for those local governments “that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online,” according to the Comptroller’s Web site, located at www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/checkup/leadership.php.

“Providing access to information and financial records is a high priority for the City Council,” said Mayor Bob Townsend. “Our ability to continue to receive this important recognition is a good indication that we’re not only achieving our goals, but that we are also serving as an example for others.”

The City’s Financial Transparency website went online December 1, 2010, and provides the ability to sort through a variety of municipal financial documents. Of special note, the City Council wanted to provide residents access to the City’s check register. The register makes available information on all payments issued by the City. It shows how much money is being paid for an assortment of goods and services by each department.

The website also provides an assortment of other reporting services such as access to City employee salaries, an online form to facilitate open records requests and a program enabling convenient tracking of projects included in the 2010 Bond Program.